Wildland firefighters may get pay raises

(The Center Square) — Some firefighters tasked with limiting wildfires are likely to receive a pay hike as part of a federal appropriations bill making its way through Congress.

In Arizona, wildland firefighters play a big role in maintaining and stopping fires, as much of the state is forested or at a generally high fire risk.

“I’m proud to secure a permanent pay raise for Arizona’s brave federal wildland firefighters who risk their lives to keep our communities safe and secure,” Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, stated.

According to a news release, the terms in the bill were pulled from the introduced “Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act of 2023” for a pay schedule specific to federal wildland firefighter.

Federal employees typically are on a set pay schedule determined by years worked and rank. In the case of the wildland firefighters, pay has played a key factor in hiring individuals for job, which naturally comes with a high risk in emergency situations.

The firefighters are under the purview of the United States Forest Service and the United State Department of the Interior.

As for Arizona, the state has dealt with numerous major wildfires this year, including the Watch Fire impacting the San Carlos Apache Tribe, and the Pius Fire near Payson. State and federal fire authorities will oftentimes work together to tackle a fire.

The appropriations bill for interior and environmental spending passed the House of July 24 and it was received in the Senate on Aug. 1.